Category: Devotional

Wednesday

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” ~Luke 19:10~

I’m very thankful for the rain last night and for God’s protection over all of us, especially for the family that had the tornado visit them south of Tangipahoa Baptist Church.

http://www.wafb.com/story/16051473/tornado-watch-remains-in-effect-until-10-am

Please remember Mrs. Ruby Dillon in your prayers.  Her hip problem is healing slowly preventing some of “Miss” Ruby’s normal activities.

Remember those who have been sick such as Renee Deck, those who have surgery such as Jason Dean, and those who have had a family member to pass away such as Mrs. Bill Hughes family.  Be an encourager to others in these and similar situations.

Baptist Press – a continuing story we have been following

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36578

Thought for the Day: Missed Opportunities

The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer’s beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, “Son, go stand out in that field and I’m going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.”

The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood – pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber – as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed… but the bull had no tail!

Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.

The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors — opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.

“Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message.” (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10).

May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Try to take advantage of the opportunities God gives you.  You won’t be disappointed!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Jesus said,

“Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed;

because your true life is not made up of the things you own,

no matter how rich you may be.”

~Luke 12:15 (GN)~

Pray for me as I see my gamma knife surgeon for my two week check-up.  Pray for us as we travel.

Heart to Heart with Holley: What makes you beautiful?

As a little girl, I believed anyone related to you automatically thought you were beautiful. The kids at school might tease me but aunts and grandmas gushed, “Look at those cheeks! Look at that hair!”

Over time, I realized my little theory might not quite be true. I just happened to belong to an especially gracious (and very southern) family who chose to see the best in me.

But for the longest time I thought blood ties made you beautiful.

Pushing a vaccuum through the hall the other day, hair in a messy ponytail, I felt anything but lovely. I thought of my sweet relatives and wished someone were there to gush over me–even in my unsightly state.

Then I realized that Someone in my life did see me as beautiful right here, right now.

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I paused for a moment in my cleaning, leaned back against the wall and smiled.

Aha!

It turns out I’d been right all along…

Blood ties do make us beautiful. 

Perhaps not always the kind that flow through family trees but forever the kind that flowed down a tree made into a cross.

Yes, He takes all of our unloveliness and turns it into what only He can…

all beauty. 

–Holley

Baptist Press: Condoleezza Rice voices faith & optimism

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36567

Thank God for the rain He is providing today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“We must support believers who go on trips like this

so that we can work together with them in spreading the truth.”

~3 John 1:8 (GW)~

If you did not get your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox turned in at FBC, Kentwood yesterday, you will still have about two more days before they are delivered to the collection center.  Complete your box and take it to the church office with a check for $7.00 to cover shipping.  You’ll be blessed!

Another blessing you can have this week is to attend our Third Thursday Share Group at the cabin.  We meet at 6:30 for a time of food, fellowship, devotional, and prayer.  Nobody is ever put “on the spot”, so feel free to come check it out.

Pray for Carol New as she has knee replacement surgery today.

Continue to pray for the many who have lost loved ones recently as well as those who are not well.

Pray for safety for those who will be traveling in the coming weeks.

Pray for boldness for those who have family members and friends who have not accepted God into their hearts.

Be thankful for all the blessing you and yours have received.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Thought for the Day: He will provide

One Saturday Ken Erickson’s wife cleaned out leftovers from the refrigerator. She gave the one remaining portion of tortellini to their 6-year-old son, Jeremy. Their 8-year-old son, Matthew, also wanted some, so bickering ensued. After several unsuccessful attempts to mediate the dispute, Ken decided on a theological approach. Hoping to convince Jeremy to share his portion with Matthew, he said, “Jeremy, what would Jesus do in this situation?”

Jeremy immediately responded, “Oh, Dad, He would just make more!”

What a beautiful truth — Jesus will provide! I’m not saying that he would have provided for his own personal need (because he never did that in a miraculous way), but time and time again Jesus showed both his willingness and his ability to provide for those who were around him.

It was a truth the apostles needed to learn. Surrounded by thousands of people, Jesus said to them, “Give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16). Their answer indicated their recognition that Jesus had asked the impossible. They didn’t have the resources. But Jesus did.

It is a truth we all need to learn. Whatever your need may be, whatever crisis you may be going through, whatever strength you need to cope with the struggles in your life, Jesus will provide. He has both the willingness and the ability to provide for those in need.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

He will provide!  Sometimes that’s all people can say about their situation in life.  I pray God will use you to “provide for others”.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Be generous: Invest in acts of charity.

Charity yields high returns.

Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around.

Be a blessing to others.”

~Ecclesiastes 11:1-2a (MSG)~

Thought for the Day: Appreciating God’s Blessings

Two old friends bumped into one another on the street one day. One of them looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, “What has the world done to you, my old friend?”

The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you. Three weeks ago, an uncle died and left me forty thousand dollars.”

“That’s a lot of money.”

“But you see, two weeks ago, a cousin I never even knew died, and left me eighty-five thousand free and clear.”

“Sounds like you’ve been blessed….”

“You don’t understand!” he interrupted. “Last week my great-aunt passed away. I inherited almost a quarter of a million.”

Now he was really confused. “Then, why do you look so glum?”

“This week… nothing!”

That’s the trouble with receiving something on a regular basis. Even if it is a gift, we eventually come to expect it. Someone once suggested to me a way to test someone’s character. Give him (or her) $5 a day for a month. Then stop, and see what his reaction is. The natural tendency is that if we receive a gift long enough, we come to view it as an entitlement. We feel hurt, even angry, if we don’t receive it any longer.

It’s the same way with the blessings God gives us every day. I don’t deserve the comfortable home I live in, the beautiful scenery around me, the clean water that I drink. But after receiving these gifts (and a multitude of others) for years, I sometimes fail to be grateful. I’ve come to expect these good things. And when one of them is removed for a short while (like the water being cut off), I get upset.

Make an effort today to recognize the blessings you’ve come to take for granted. Focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t have, and see if it doesn’t improve your attitude.

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Make this Lord’s Day meaningful to others and yourself.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

~Romans 12:13 (NLT, second edition)~

Jana C. Creel is home from the hospital.  Thank God her her improvement.

Jason Dean is in pain, but walking a little.  Pray for him as he continues to recover from back surgery.  He should be released Sunday,

Chloe Neyland is doing better.  She may be strong enough to move to a regular room later today.

I shared this website before, but think it might encourage us to do more for others, so I’m posting it again.

http://www.joeyshopeforhungrychildren.bbnow.org/index.php

Thought for the Day: Missed opportunities

The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer’s beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, “Son, go stand out in that field and I’m going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.”

The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood – pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber – as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed… but the bull had no tail!

Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.

The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors — opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.

“Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message.” (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10)

May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

 

Have a super Saturday!

Anna Lee

Friday

“I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;

incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

~Psalm 17:6~

Jadon’s Story :  Seizures, sick, neuro appointment, prayer request

My seizures haven’t been the best lately. I’m having about 80 a day again. Surprise surprise. We are praying that they will just stay at 80 until surgery date. I can a least function at 80. When they increase to 150-200 is when the regression starts. I think this is just a reminder of why we need to do the surgery. My mommy and daddy say they have to try surgery. It’s only fair to me so that I can have a chance. Even though I can’t talk you can hear it in my cry ” Mommy please make them stop, mommy what’s going on, help me mommy”. So yes I’m saying the seizures that make me cry are back. On top of all this I’ve been sick. Mommy brought me to the doctor Monday and they put me on antibiotic for a sinus infection. Then Tuesday afternoon I started running a high fever. We thought it was related to the sinus infection but no I broke out in a horrible rash today. I also have ulcers in my mouth and fever blisters on my mouth. The doctor said it was hand, foot, and mouth disease. I probably picked it up in the doctors office when I went to get my antibiotic for my sinus infection. I can’t catch a break right now. Hopefully this rash will go away soon and I can get better. Ok so enough of the bad stuff. I went to see my neurologist in NOLA Tuesday. She did receive the paper work about my surgery. She agreed with the surgery. She said she has done everything possible for me. She also agreed that I can’t continue to develop unless we stop these seizures. She also said I have lots of potential if we could only get them to stop. She said that she would talk to the head of neurology about doing my therapy after surgery in NOLA. Well she walked out to write my new prescriptions and guess what the head of neurology was in the clinic. She agreed to let us do therapy in NOLA. She also agreed with the surgery. She then introduced us to the lady in charge of therapy in the hospital who also just happen to be in the clinic. So yes God was definitely looking out for us that day. My mommy was very nervous about the appointment and everything was perfect. Since we are going to do the therapy in NOLA we may only have to stay in Detroit 3 weeks. It all depends on how I do after surgery. When I’m stable enough to transfer we will transfer. We are very excited about this. Please continue to pray for us. We are definitely feeling your prayers. Everyone is being so helpful to us and we are so thankful to have all of you in our lives. I’m attaching a picture of a little boy that was just diagnosed with infantile spasms in our area. Please pray for him. He is the same age that I was when I was diagnosed. My mommy has been talking to his mommy. We are praying that the ACTH that he is on now will stop his seizures. One last thing. We are in the process of making a prayer blanket for me to take to Detroit. If you would like email my mommy at monica.pailet@gmail.com with your prayer and we will put it on my blanket. Thanks again for the prayers. Love you, Jadon

 

Operation Christmas Child (Shoeboxes of gifts for children)

  • Boxes are due at local churches Sunday (13th)
  • Call your local church or FBC, Kentwood for more information
  • Bless some unfortunate children during the holidays

Baptist Press: Misplaced priorities & the tragedy of Penn State

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=36546

Samaritan’s Purse Refugee Camp is Bombed

A few days ago I visited a refugee camp in South Sudan, where Samaritan’s Purse is helping care for some 23,000 refugees who have fled the atrocities of the government of Sudan. The camp has been a safe haven for these suffering people. But Thursday, the violence followed them when the camp was bombed by the very government they have been fleeing.

Four bombs were dropped. Praise God, we have confirmed that all of our staff are safe and accounted for, and as of now there are no reports of people injured on the ground.

These people are in need of immediate prayer.  Please pray for safety for the refugees, and for our staff. Pray for peace to come to this troubled region. Most of all, please pray that the people we are helping will find lasting hope in Jesus Christ.

Thank you, and may God bless you.

Sincerely,


Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse


Veterans, thank you for your service to our country. I’m proud to be an American.

Last night, I noticed an advertisement for veterans to get a free meal at Applebee’s today.  We have our own local businessman with a benefit for veterans.  Robert Brister posted this and said to pass it on.

In honor of all our military servicemen and women on Veteran’s Day, Mr Tom’s Car Wash will once again be giving free washes to all veterans. Our Amite and McComb locations will be participating on Friday November 11 from 7:30am – 6pm. Spread the word! God bless our troops and God bless America.

As proud of veterans as we are, there’s someone who paid a great price for us two thousand years ago.

Thought for the Day: The highest ransom ever paid

A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnapped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.

The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount?

Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined what the negotiations must have been like: “$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You’ve got to be kidding. Give me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer.”

I can sympathize with the kidnapped man because I wonder how much the people in my life think that I’m worth. But I am flattered beyond description to realize that I was worth enough to God that He was willing to pay the ultimate price for my ransom, my redemption. As Peter put it:

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19)

Ultimately, the value of something (or someone) is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. A piece of art that may be worth millions of dollars to someone else may be worth less than a hundred dollars to me. The worth of something is determined by how much we’re willing to pay for it.

What that means is that we are of tremendous value to God. He didn’t quibble about the price, but was willing to pay the full ransom amount — the highest ransom ever paid!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Thank a vet today!  Thank God today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Commit your work to the Lord,

and then your plans will succeed.”

~Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)~

 

Quote for Dr. Tom Higginbotham’s sermon last night:  “The attitude of those in the early church was what’s mine is yours! I’m afraid too often we have an attitude of what’s yours is mine!”

Relying on God

The following two news stories come from Reuters:

“A Ukraine businessman who bought a pager for each member of his staff as a New Year gift was so alarmed when all 50 of them went off at the same time that he drove his car into a lamp post. The unnamed businessman was returning from the pager shop when the accident happened,” the Fakty daily newspaper reported. “With no more than 100 metres to go to the office, the 50 pagers on the back seat suddenly burst out screeching. The businessman’s fright was such that he simply let go of the steering wheel and the car ploughed into a lamp post. After he had assessed the damage to the car, the businessman turned his attention to the message on the 50 pagers. It read: ‘Congratulations on a successful purchase!’ ”

“Normally accidents like this shouldn’t happen,” reasoned a Caputh, Germany, police spokesman. “A motorist following driving instructions on the satellite navigation computer in his BMW drove down a ferry ramp into the Havel River without realizing the only way he could cross the river was to wait for the ferry. The 57-year-old driver was not injured. This sort of thing can happen when people rely too much on technology.”

We do rely a lot on technology, don’t we? From pagers and satellite navigation systems to cell phones and fax machines, we have become more and more dependent upon our world of technology. It is important, though, that we step back every now and then and remind ourselves, “We can survive without all these gadgets, but we cannot survive without God.”

In Psalm 20, David expressed it this way:

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Chariots and horses were certainly not wrong; no more so than modern gadgets. But it was necessary to reinforce the truth that our faith in not in such things, but in God Almighty.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Put your faith in God, not the technological toys of today’s modern world.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

    “Do not worry about anything,

but pray and ask God for everything you need,

always giving thanks.  

And God’s peace,

which is so great we cannot understand it,

will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians 4:6-7, NCV~

Please pray for Mrs. Micky Cade as she has a biopsy today.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Bill Hughes who is still at North Oaks.

Thank God for watching over Chloe Neyland and for giving the doctor the ability to get her off the vent.  Ask a special blessing on Lisa as she waits and waits to see Chloe each day.

Quote for Dr. Tom Higginbotham’s message at revival last night:

Don’t ever let what you don’t know about God get in the way of what you do know about Him!

Heart to Heart with Holley: Psst…you’re making a difference today

We carry crock pots into the kitchen and set them on the table. Soup is ladled into bowls. Bread is neatly placed on plates. Dessert stands ready on a counter nearby. Outside hungry people wait. My community group is serving those in need tonight.

And aren’t we all in need?

We wipe down the last of the surfaces a couple of hours later. I think of smiles as spoons are lifted to lips. I remember the laughter of children as they tear the corner off a cookie. I recall the look of satisfaction and fullness as folks lean back in their chairs when they’re done.

Where have I seen all of that before?

And I realize then that I see it every day. I see it when a coworker pauses to offer a kind word to someone having a hard day—a little morsel of encouragement that’s gobbled up with gratitude. I see it when my friend wraps her arms around her oh-so-tired little one and sees past the crankiness to the silent request for comfort and rest. I see it when a stranger on the street flashes a smile like an unexpected bit of chocolate tossed my way.

If I were with you now, I know I’d see it too. You’re feeding someone today. Who is the hungry heart in your life? Oh, what you do may feel small. It may feel unseen. But it matters. It’s noticed by the one who said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Just in case no one has told you lately, I want to whisper this: Thank you for what you do. Thank you for feeding the hungry in your life in your own amazing way.

We carry the crock pots back to our cars. The fall wind feels like a whisper around us. Every last bit is gone. We didn’t even get to eat but I don’t feel hungry.  It turns out those whose bodies we fed did the same for our hearts in return.

And so it goes—round and round. Giving, receiving, in need, meeting needs too.

Until we’re all so very full.

 

Meet a need today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

 

“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion!

Declare His deeds among the people.”

~Psalm 9:11~

Shared by Lisa M. Neyland

Chloe’s Dr is trying real hard to get her off the vent. It is not going so well, her little lungs just aren’t strong enough yet. Hoping tomorrow will show more improvement! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers coming our way

Mason Carter said his grandmother, Ms. Molly Carter, broke her left arm yesterday.  Pray for her that the healing process will go well.

 

It’s another Tuesday, so I think Susan Rimes is making another trip to the doctor.  Please pray Susan will soon be free of pain.

 

Caring Bridge: Callie Cole

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

 

Quote from Dr. Tom Higginbotham at the revival service last night

“Discipline from God gives evidence that we are a son/daughter, not just a sinner.”

Revival continues tonight at FBC, Kentwood at 6:30.  I need to add that Bro. Jeff is doing a wonderful/beautiful job in preparing us for worship through his music.

Thought for the Day: God’s grading plan

Someone has come up with this list of the ways that professors grade their final exams:

DEPT OF STATISTICS:
– All grades are plotted along the normal bell curve.

DEPT OF PSYCHOLOGY:
– Students are asked to blot ink in their exam books, close them and turn them in. The professor opens the books and assigns the first grade that comes to mind.

DEPT OF HISTORY:
– All students get the same grade they got last year.

DEPT OF PHILOSOPHY:
– What is a grade?

LAW SCHOOL:
– Students are asked to defend their position of why they should receive an A.

DEPT OF MATHEMATICS:
– Grades are variable.

DEPT OF LOGIC:
– If and only if the student is present for the final and the student has accumulated a passing grade then the student will receive an A else the student will not receive an A.

DEPT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE:
– Random number generator determines grade.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT:
– Each student must figure out his grade by listening to the instructor play the corresponding note (+ and – would be sharp and flat respectively).

DEPT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
– Everybody gets an A.

How do you suppose God will grade us on our “final exam”? Some people think he will automatically pass everyone (“After all, he’s so kind and loving, how could he do otherwise?”). Some people think he’ll grade on a curve (“I may be bad, but I’m not as bad as some people I know!”). Some people think he look at the assignments you completed (the “good” deeds) and the assignments you failed (the “bad” deeds), and passes you if the good side outweighs the bad.

However, none of those ideas are accurate. Truth is, God grades on a strict pass/fail basis — either we pass (heaven) or we fail (hell). And there is only one way to keep from failing:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1).

For those who are “in Christ” and continue to walk “according to the Spirit”, the grade is certain. I don’t know about you, but I’m anxious for the semester to end! 🙂

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

 

Pass or fail? Heaven or hell?  We determine our own outcome!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”

~Psalm 5:3~

 

Chloe Neyland

Please continue to pray for Chloe and Lisa . Chloe is still some difficult times, today was not a good day. Please pray Lisa, Mike and the boys. Also for the doctors that they might receive guidance from God (our ultimate healer ) on how treat Chloe.
Thanks
Laura
Mrs. Maybelle Z. “Diene” Forstall
(May 21, 1919 – November 4, 2011)

Mrs. Maybelle Z. “Diene” Forstall was born May 2, 1919 and passed away at 1:00 a.m., Friday, November 4, 2001 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was 92, a native of Ama, LA and a resident of Kentwood.

Mrs. Maybelle is survived by her 4 daughters, Maybelle F. Givens, Robelyn F. Pitre, Irma F. Wehner and Barbara F. Piediscalzi; 4 sons-in-law, Leon Givens, Tarro Pitre, Michael Marquez & Ted Piediscalzi; a sister, Josephine Z. Diemel; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren & 8 great great-grandchildren;

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Josephine Roux Zeringue; husband, Elmer L. Forstall; daughter, Darlene F. Marquez; grandson, Daniel P. Pitre; granddaughter, Cassandra W. Parfait; 7 brothers & 2 sisters.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, November 7, 2011 from 8:00a.m.until 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Mark Beard officiating. Interment in Gardens of Memories, Metairie, LA at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 7,, 2011.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Thought for the Day: Let your light shine

I heard about a couple who received a set of two horrible bedside table lamps as a wedding present from a distant aunt. Since the lamps were so ugly, this couple didn’t want to actually use them, so they put them in storage and bought a nicer set themselves. That worked for a while, but a few years later, this particular relative came to a family celebration. Knowing she would be there, the couple quickly set up the aunt’s lamps on the tables and hid their usual ones under the bed.

When time came to show the aunt around the house, the wife said, “Come and see how nice your lamps look in our bedroom.”

She turned on the switch on the wall — and suddenly an intense luminosity emerged from under the bed…..

Oops! How embarrassing! I am reminded of the following statement made by Jesus:

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.’ ” (Mark 4:21-22).

Jesus’ point here is not quite the same as in the more familiar passage in Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light so shine before men…”). Here in Mark, Jesus has apparently just begun to speak in parables. To the apostles, it may have seemed that Jesus was trying to hide the truth from people by speaking with such obscurity. But Jesus points out that wouldn’t make much sense; it would be like lighting a lamp (to bring light) and then placing it under a bed (to hide the light). His reason for using parables wasn’t to hide God’s truth, but to set it on a lampstand so that it could give forth as much light as possible.

Father, we thank you for sending One who not only came to show us the light, but who is Himself “the light of the world”. May our lives and conversation be such that we will never be embarrassed by an attempt to hide that light under our beds. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, North Carolina

Don’t forget to change your clock back one hour.  Enjoy the extra hour doing something important to you!

Anna Lee